Jewish Congressional Candidate Expelled From Pro-Palestinian Protest Despite Criticizing Israel

After claiming that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, Jewish U.S. congressional candidate Brad Lander was attacked by pro-Palestinian activists.

According to a report published today (Sunday) by The New York Times, Lander, a Jewish progressive candidate for Congress and former New York City comptroller, was verbally attacked and expelled by anti-Israel demonstrators during a protest in Manhattan.

Lander came to take part in a protest held outside Madison Square Garden against an Indian nationalist leader associated with the American right. Despite his past statements against Israel, the anger of the pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel crowd was directed at him. Demonstrators shouted insults at him based on his identity and his Zionist ties, using harsh language. They emphatically demanded that he leave and declared that they did not want “Zionists” at their protest.

It should be noted that Lander has worked closely with New York’s progressive left and with figures who strongly criticize Israel. He is considered close to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and during his campaign and throughout the war in Gaza, he voiced sharp criticism of the IDF’s actions and used rhetoric accusing Israel of committing genocide.